Here we have Ford's Filling Station in Culver City. This restaurant was featured on Andrew Zimmern's show Bizarre Foods. It is also Harrison Ford's son's, Ben Ford, restaurant. When I heard this was a star's restaurant, I was kind of skeptical but intrigued at the same time. There are some stars out there who have their own restaurants with not so good food reviews of their place. But I decided to just try this out and see it for myself. There are mixed reviews when it comes to this place but I think there are more positives than negatives.
Chef ordered his drinks. The Cucumber Martini and Ed's Perfect Manhattan.
Next we have the Oven Roasted Octopus with Watermelon Radish, Upland Cress Salad, and a just lovely lemon and chickpea pesto. Just wonderful.
The first appetizer was Fried Chickpeas With Lemon and Sea Salt. These were the raw green kind, not the white kind that you see dried or in cans and used to make Hummus, falafel, Chana masala, and for pure snacking, just to name a few. This was just great and different!
The last appetizer just plain ROCKED! Absolutely loved it and craving some right now. Bacon Wrapped Dates. Oh so wonderful. I love the slightly salty kick of the bacon with the sweetness of the date. There were only three of these given. Take a guess who had two! I guess I'll just say it right now. I think I was a little selfish that day! I'm sorry! I find it hard sharing things that I like!
Chef's entree was the Confit Duck Leg with Frisee, Pears, Candied Pecans, and Sherry Vinaigrette.
And I got the Idaho Rainbow Trout with Tabouleh, Cress, and Salsa Verde. This was so good and satisfying. I would love to have some right about now! The tabouleh salad was so fresh and scrumptious. I cannot complain about this dish. Perfection.
Next up is dessert. I wasn't really into having it that night but after looking over the menu, I decided on the Maple Flan with Chantilly Cream and Candied Walnut. Really, all I've got to say is this: besides the amazing flan that I had in Argentina, this was THE BEST flan I have ever had. No lie! Oh my goodness, just so sexy, addicting, pleasurable, gratifying....the list goes on and on. Take my word for it. You're in for a real sweet treat.
So Chef ended up having to get another dessert because I wouldn't share! Ok, I did allow JUST one bite. So here is the Bellfeather Farms Ricotta with half a peach, sweet crostini, and raw tupelo honey. All I'll say is that I would have tried it if they didn't put honey on it. Not my cup of tea.
All in all, the experience here was great. I loved the staff there. Goodlooking and very chill. Service was fast and reliable. The prices I would say are unreasonable. Quite expensive here but everything was absolutely worth it. I just loved the relaxed, laid back atmosphere of the restaurant. Loved the layout and even the furniture. Food was just satisfying, flavorful, and different. The fact that they have one of the best flans I've ever had gives them major points! I'd give Ford's Filling Station 4 1/2 hearts: ♥♥♥♥1/2. Would have been five if it wasn't so expensive. Go check it out and let me know what you think! Oh and did I forget to mention, for all you pig lovers out there, you can make a request for a whole pig there if given 10 days in advance. I just had to add that!
